Now it's easier than ever to look and feel great at any weight. More plus sized models are hitting the runway and top beauty magazines are featuring icons that don't fit the super skinny size 0 that has ruled the fashion world.
Glamour magazine stepped out of the box with their cover story "Dress Sexy At Any Size" featuring Queen Latifah, who has lived large in the eyes of plus sized females for decades. Queen Latifah's lovely face dazzled Cover Girl and Revlon and has become a household name when it comes to looking and feeling great at any weight.
In 2008, Latifah told ABC "It's not about losing weight, it's about health." In an interview where she explained that she wanted to lose twenty pounds to prevent diabetes. "It's not an image thing." She said. "I'm really content with my body image."
Having a positive self-esteem is vital to feeling good, no matter how much you weigh. Learning to love yourself for who you are rather than what you look like is the key to getting others to do the same. A negative body image and self-esteem is apparent to those around you and they will respond to that.
Marcia Hutchinson, author of "200 way to love the body you have" asks, "What will you miss out on if you fail to love your body and fail to treat it as it deserves to be treated?"
Whether it's the prom, that beach party or just an evening with friends get out and enjoy your life and the body you have. You only have one life, and one body. You can change either, but time is of the essence. If you have a weight loss plan, gear it towards improving health and not image. You can improve your image right now, no matter what you weigh.
If you've been moping on the sidelines for quite a while and don't know where to start, meeting with an image consultant can get you on the right track. Together you can come up with the styles that fit your features, budget and lifestyle. Image consultants can guide to the right makeup, accessories, shoes, accessories and hairstyles.
A tight budget may not allow for such an indulgence, but you can be your own image consultant. Many fashion designers have styles and sizes to fit everyone, so you can look your best in the hottest trends. Lane Bryant has been catering to the clothing cravings of plus-sized women for years. They offer a full selection of clothing from casual to formal at affordable prices.
A must have shopping stop for the plus sized is Torrid.com. They offer everything a girl could want from shoes to jeans and evening wear to lingerie, all in sizes to fit. Apple bottom, Baby Phat, Rocawear, and L.E.I. are a few of the fashion lines available, most in sizes 16-26. Nordstrom Rack, The Gap and Old Navy are good places to find stylish, plus-sized clothing.
Take advantage of the changing trend to help you look and feel your best.